Skyline High JV Football Season Cancelled in Wake of Closed School Board Meeting on Student Disciplinary Matters

After coming out of a specially called Closed Meeting Wednesday evening, October 23rd, by a 4-0 vote, one member Andrea Lo absent, the Warren County School Board cancelled the Skyline High School Junior Varsity Football season, “effective immediately.” The motion was made by Melanie Salins, seconded by Thomas McFadden Jr., with Kristen Pence and Antoinette Funk joining in the vote of approval of the season-ending order.

The motion into that closed meeting pursuant to Virginia Code, Section 2.2-3711 included the following passages: “The School Board desires to discuss the following matter in a closed meeting:

“Discussion or consideration of admission or disciplinary matters or any other matters that would involve the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record concerning any student in Warren County Public Schools, specifically the Skyline High School Junior Varsity Football team.”

And previous to that, added: “Discussion or consideration of admission or disciplinary matters or any other matters that would involve the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record concerning any student in Warren County Public Schools, specifically a student discipline matter.”

Information sent to Royal Examiner anonymously alleged that members of the Skyline High JV team had engaged in a “hazing” incident outside the school building that had been captured on a security camera video. The message from an alias e-address alleged that what was captured on security video was a group criminal act involving “multiple male athletes” against a “restrained team mate on the ground,” adding that, “Major charges of hazing are coming to light,” including at least one of a sexual nature. The anonymous sender alleged the team coaching staff was aware of at least some of the hazing incidents.

Royal Examiner was unable to contact school administrative staff for any clarity on the situation prior to publication. However, Thursday afternoon Public Schools Superintendent Chris Ballenger issued a Press Release on the incident printed below.

We will update this story as any additional information becomes available, or related actions are taken by the public schools or county court systems.

Warren County Public Schools is investigating hazing allegations of serious physical and sexual misconduct involving student-athletes on the Skyline High School JV Football team. One of our top priorities in our division is student safety. The information that we currently have and the serious nature of the allegations are concerning. At last night’s called Special Board meeting, the Warren County School Board took action to cancel the 2024 SHS JV Football season effective immediately.

When reports suggest that the safety and well-being of our students may have been compromised, we are always committed to initiating a review and taking prompt interim and further action, as may be warranted, in the best interests of our students. As part of the investigation, parents will receive information concerning the Title IX process. The Warren County School Board has strict policies concerning harassment. At this time, we are working with local officials, including law enforcement, to gather information related to this situation. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office will continue the criminal investigation.

We are also taking necessary action to protect our students from behavior that is not and will not be tolerated by our school division, including any possible retaliation for reporting allegations. Families impacted by this situation were strongly encouraged to immediately speak to their children on the SHS JV Football team and have conversations about what those students have seen or heard in terms of inappropriate behaviors. We also encourage students that if they see something, then say something. Anyone, at any time, can make a completely anonymous report regarding this or any incident involving student safety by clicking on the WCPS Concern Reporting Form. If at any time, family discussion discloses evidence or observations that need to be reported, please report them using the above form without delay or parents can reach out to the Title IX Coordinator or their child’s school administrator. All information received will be passed on to the appropriate WCPS investigative staff and law enforcement when warranted.

Office of the Superintendent
Warren County Public Schools
210 North Commerce Avenue
Front Royal, Virginia 22630-4419
Phone (540) 635-2171
www.wcps.k12.va.us